Grand Duchy

Luxembourg gained sovereignty in 1867 (Treaty of London). The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is now a constitutional hereditary monarchy in the form of a parliamentary democracy. The official languages are French, German and Luxembourgish. The legislature is constituted by a chamber of deputies. Government business is conducted by the prime minister and his cabinet, with the Grand Duke as head of state. The so-called Council of State is an advisory body.

Luxembourg City was founded in 963 as the centre of the county of Luxembourg. In the 16th century the city was extended as a fortress. It comprised three rings of fortifications and the casemates, underground passageways and rooms. For this reason Luxembourg was also called the "Gibraltar of the North". The fortifications were demolished after 1867, however, in accordance with the Treaty of London. In 1890 Luxembourg received its own hereditary dynasty, the House of Nassau-Weilburg. In 1945 Luxembourg became a member of the United Nations and in 1952 it was made the headquarters of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). Luxembourg is a member of the EU and of the Schengen Agreement. Since 2002 the official currency has been the euro.

Working in Luxembourg